Considered perhaps the most influential sci-fi novel of all time, the impact of Frank Herbert's Dune on Star Wars is pretty clear to see almost immediately. The most obvious example of this is in the desert planet Tatooine, home of Luke Skywalker, which is very similar to the planet of Arrakis in the series, and even has the Dune Sea. In an early version of the Star Wars script, Princess Leia was guarding a shipment of aura spice, rather than plans to the Death Star, which is another nod to the book, and even Leia's name is taken from the novel's heroine, Princess Alia (actually pronounced A-leia). It continues with the battle against an empire, led by an evil Emperor; similar religions; a slug-like ruler and Jabba the Hut; sandworms and the Sarlacc; and the fact that the antagonist in Dune is actually the hero's grandfather, which is very close to the major twist in The Empire Strikes Back. Which other interesting Star Wars influences did you spot? Share your own finds below in the comments thread.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
